Monday, 17 December 2018

NINETEEN

It's just over a week until my 19th birthday! One more year of being a 'teen' and then I'll be entering my 20's.

The past year has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. I have laughed, loved, lost, gained and grown in more ways than I could ever imagine. Unfortunately not in height but I'm still holding out hope that I get a random growth spurt in the next year or at least before I'm 21. I've learnt so many life lessons over the past 19 years but here are three that I think are most important:

01. Learn to enjoy your own company

How many of you are missing out on experiences because your friends are holding you back? Back in April, I went to see a comedy show in Leicester Square on my own. This may not seem like a big deal to a lot of you but I'd never been to a show alone before and I think it was a big step for my confidence. None of my friends wanted to go, so I booked the tickets and went alone, *shrugs*, you can't miss out on things you want to do because your friends can't come or don't want to go with you. Learn to enjoy your own company and own it! I challenge every one of you to do something alone in 2019.

02. You don't owe your family anything

You grow up thinking that your family are the best people in your life but sometimes, your family can be the most toxic group of people in your life. Just because you're blood-related, doesn't mean you owe them anything. Don't comprise your happiness for the sake of your family. If that means you distance yourself or limit your contact with them, so be it! I have never spoken about this on my blog but I don't have the best relationship with my Mum. I won't go into detail as I like to keep certain things about my life private but I often get jealous of my friends and their relationship with their mothers because I've never had that close Mother-Daughter bond.

03. Speak the f*ck up

It's not in everyone's nature to speak up when there's an issue but you can't rely on those who are outspoken to solve all the worlds problems. Speak up on your platform about your political views, global issues, racism, police brutality, diversity etc. You may not think you're in a position to comment but everyone has an opinion and your view may coincide with someone else's or it may not, which sparks further debate. I think a lot of change in today's society is due to social media. When we speak up, politicians, brands and the media react.